The sheer joy of a Nikon FX (full-frame) camera is enough to excite the most listless, unenthused photographer. The D3 has all of the basic features of the D2Xs and is three "Flights up" from the D300. Exceptional color and contrast; remarkable resolution and detail set this on a pedestal all alone. Live-View is a bonus, along with the dual card slots for the JPEG and NEF files. The ISO, the "retouch menu," and the fact that all of the older Nikon lenses can go back into the bag without regard for DX is, in my book, a reason to get this camera. Nikon has united the reliable past with the high-tech future in the D3.

Cons:

While I find no fault, additional mega-pixels would have been nice. However, that will surely come in time. This camera premiered before its predecessors had celebrated any real time on the market. Suffice it to say, Nikon probably won't let this one get much circulation before they unveil and debut another "masterpiece" with all the mega-pixels one will ever need.

Without a doubt, the resolution and detail on this camera are tops! I just purchased the 135mm f/2-DC for a major portrait project. After a few tests and switching back and forth with the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR and the 28-70mm f/2.8, I've concluded that this camera is spectacular.

The new Nikon lenses made exclusively for this FX camera (14-24mm and 24-70mm) are great lenses, but compared to the tack sharpness and overall quality of the old faithful FX film lenses like the 17-35mm f/2.8 and the 24-70mm f/2.8 you are basically "splitting hairs."

While I cannot say for sure, I'd risk a few dollars in betting that the older lenses will soon be rising in production and price. Its a blessing to know that 20mm is actually 20mm and so forth and so on!

The D3 features the FX/DX format (the ability to use the array of Nikon lenses created for the Digital SLR). However, why would anyone want to shoot in the DX format mode with a FX camera? I think that the DX format maybe useful to those who already own DX lenses or who cannot afford to buy several lenses and don't wish to empty their bags and replace them with FX lenses. Nevertheless, the DX format only allows for 5MPs vs. the 12 in FX format.

As a Nikon owner of the D300, D2Xs and D200 cameras the D3 is not something we talk about or write about, its something that is to be experienced. All I can say is that if you get one you won't put it down.

Dec 29, 2007

Josh BennettOfflineImage Upload: Off

Registered: Nov 2, 2006Location: United StatesPosts: 4

Review Date: Dec 23, 2007

Recommend? yes |
Price paid: $4,999.00
| Rating: 10

Pros:

FX sensor, signal strength and clarity of pixels - image quality is very high, screen is amazing and very useful, autofocus is great and the new invisible overlay is awesome. Viewfinder better than DX. Dual CF compartment.

Cons:

Price could have been closer to $4k IMO. But I am grateful they didn't go higher than $5k! I wish they had implemented an on-board RF signal controller to wirelessly control their (hopefully-one-day-radio-controlled) CLS.

I really was amazed at the amount of leeway the D3 files give you in regard to pushing. The Dynamic range is improved and helps but the ability to pull shadows back up after shooting to save the highlights is incredible.

Sometimes when the image is really out of focus and the camera does hunt, it will stop while it is OOF and just hang there. All of my other cameras do the same thing but it would have been nice if they had made it more actively/enthusiastically pursue focus. It's like they search and then if the camera can't focus, it gives up. "Well, I tried. I'm done."

That said, the new AF module is pretty awesome. It is very fast and much more reliable (than the D200). The outer focus points are VERY much improved. I am sorry, I can't compare it with the D2Xs as I never owned one. I am sure their cross-type sensors on the outer edges performed much better than the line-type the D200 had. I do like the new grouping even though it doesn't reach the far edges of the frame. I was very critical of it when I first saw the viewfinder display and the AF layout but after using it, I don't find myself wishing they were further out (yet.)

I have been waiting for a full 135 sensor Nikon body for a long time. I am glad they provided and did so in a VERY well executed manner. The D3 is simply SUPERB. The framerate, build quality, user interface, and especially image quality are almost more than I expected. Nikon definitely did it right the first time.

An awesome body! This is the perfect wedding body period! The images produced by this body and the 200 f/2 AFS VR are out of this world. The high ISO performance sets a new standard, the DR is great. 12 MP is the perfect balance of enough detail, not too large of file sizes, and crop-ability.

The ultimate wedding camera. Well done Nikon! I wish I could give this a higher rating.

Now, if we can just get Fred to add the 200 f/2 VR lens to the Nikon primes I could review that also, but alas, my request of nearly a year goes unfulfilled.